Ideally in early fall or early spring to give your grass time to grow through 3-4 mowings before severe cold or heat, especially if overseeding.

How to Top Dress:

Step 1: Aerate

Lawns should be aerated every 2-3 years so start with a core aeration. This removes plugs of soil from the ground to leave channels for air, water, and top-dressing mixture to penetrate the lawn.

Step 2: Apply Top-Dressing

Shovel out small sections (2-3 shovelfuls) of Alberta Gold Black Garden Soil onto your lawn at spaced intervals. Spread the top-dressing mix ½” or less over the existing grass using the back side of a heavy garden rake, working it into aeration holes and covering low spots.

Step 3: Water and Adjust

Water the area well, let the lawn settle for a day or two, then go back with your rake and smooth out any hollows or bumps.

Step 4: Plant Grass if Needed

Replant grass in any bare spots. Existing grass should be able to grow through as much as an inch of top-dressing.